A LOCAL sheep producers' group has launched its own web site.

The North York Moors Quality Sheep Association has already proved successful and believes the internet is the next step forward.

Founded in 1997 through a grant from the EU Objective 5B project and the North York Moors National Park Authority, its aim is to raise the profile and reputation of the region's sheep.

The association guarantees the quality and health of the stock and full traceability, with every lamb sold through the association having a numbered holding tag and the guarantee that it was bred by the seller.

George Allison, association chairman, said the web site was another way of promoting the association and quality of its members' stock.

The idea came from Eleanor Dowsland of Fadmoor who has taken advantage of a Workers' Educational Association computer course over the last couple of years.

Like many farmers and their wives, she finds the computer has become a vital tool on the farm, particularly for record keeping.

"I just thought why not have a web site where we could advertise our sales and members could put their own stock on, with pictures, so people could see what they are like," she said.

The site has been designed by Neil Harland of Danby and includes information about the association and its rules, the type of sheep members have and a list of all forthcoming sales.

The first to feature is the sale of 1,000 Mule gimmer lambs at Stokesley mart on Saturday, September 14.

The web site is at:

www.northyorksqsa.co.uk.